The importance of outdoor play

Professor Tonia Gray, from the University of Western Sydney, is a Plant Life Balance ambassador. She reveals why time spent outdoors is crucial for children

- TONIA GRAY

As the Plant Life Balance simple science report nicely summarises, surrounding ourselves with plants can boost our mood and create feelings of relaxation and positivity.

Evidence-based research has repeatedly proven we feel better after spending time outdoors in the natural environment. This can be anything from being in the garden, digging up a veggie patch or simply sitting back in your office chair and viewing green space from your workspace. Nature is soul food and healer and every bit counts as it has a cumulative effect.